RADIO
River Ryan a Speculative Stash While on Injured List
Detroit Tigers pitching prospect River Ryan (hamstring) remains sidelined with a hamstring injury that has prevented him from pitching in a game since mid June. The Tigers' fourth-ranked prospect came over in the trade that sent two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal to the Dodgers, and although Zyhir Hope may have been the "headliner" in the deal, the right-hander immediately slotted in as the organization's top pitching prospect, so he is a highly regarded talent. He's also further along in age than most prospects, so the 28-year-old came over as a player who is ready to step into the big league rotation quickly. His career was derailed by Tommy John surgery, with the 6-foot-2 hurler making a brief debut in the majors back in 2024, but he was fully recovered and looking sharp before suffering the hamstring injury (22.2 percent K-BB%). The last update a couple of weeks ago was that he was throwing bullpen sessions, so he should be nearing a rehab assignment, and for those managers with eyes on the fantasy playoffs, there aren't many who are as big-league-ready as Ryan, so despite the injury, he's a worthy stash in hopes of a late-season call-up.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
George Holani the Seahawks' Goal-Line Back?
The Athletic's Andrew Destin anticipates Seattle Seahawks running back George Holani being used on third downs and in short-yardage and goal-line situations, with rookie first-rounder Jadarian Price being featured plenty on first and second downs. Price was slowed by "upper-leg soreness" early in training camp, making it easier for Seattle to embrace more of a platoon backfield as they open the 2026 regular season without Zach Charbonnet (knee), who tore his ACL in the playoffs in January. Free-agent signee Emanuel Wilson will occasionally mix in behind Holani and Price. When Charbonnet makes his season debut, he should pair well with Price, which "should allow Holani to slide back into a third-string role." Price has more short- and long-term fantasy appeal with more upside than Holani, which is why RotoBaller has Price ranked as the RB22 and Holani ranked at No. 75. If anything, Holani might be a thorn in Price's side early on in 2026. The 26-year-old former undrafted free agent from Boise State has seen only 25 carries for 83 yards (3.3 yards per carry) and one touchdown in 16 games (zero starts) in his first two years in the NFL in Seattle.
Source: The Athletic - Andrew Destin
Source: The Athletic - Andrew Destin
Ryan Wingo Earning High Praise from Head Coach
Texas wide receiver Ryan Wingo has been earning lots of praise from head coach Steve Sarkisian of late. Sarkisian said, "He's an explosive player with the ball in his hands... He's really evolving as a receiver." The coach also mentioned multiple times how hard the wideout has been working recently. Wingo is a big piece of the puzzle for the highly-ranked Longhorns. Wingo caught 54 passes for 834 yards and seven touchdowns a season ago, and is expected to produce even more this coming season. Transfer Cam Coleman could steal some production away in the wideout room, but there's enough production to go around, and Wingo should be a weekly fantasy asset as a result. Wingo and the Longhorns open their season on Saturday against Texas State, so expect Wingo and the offense to shine in that favorable matchup.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Mike Vrabel Offers No Reaction to The Athletic's Internal Review
Asked on Thursday about his reaction to The Athletic's internal review of his relationship with reporter Dianna Russini, New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters, "No, I don't have any reaction. We're moved on and focused on Seattle and focused on the Patriots and focused on getting better this week." The investigation concluded that Russini violated The Athletic's conflict-of-interest rules by failing to disclose her relationship with Vrabel, but no clear evidence was found that she used her platform to promote Vrabel or help his teams. Asked if he feels the situation is now fully behind him, Vrabel reiterated, "[I'll] try to just say that I've moved on, and excited about this new opportunity here as we start this season." The Patriots open the 2026 season with a Wednesday night primetime rematch with the defending Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks on September 9.
Source: Ari Meirov
Source: Ari Meirov
SEC Files Lawsuit against LSU, Lane Kiffin
The Southeastern Conference has filed a lawsuit against LSU and head football coach Lane Kiffin. The SEC requests that the court "enter a preliminary and permanent injunction prohibiting Defendants from violating the Conference's First Amendment rights by compelling the Conference to associate with conduct that is contrary to the Conference's purpose and mission." LSU president Wade Rousse, athletic director Verge Ausberry and Kiffin are the named defendants. This comes after Kiffin and the LSU football team has been pushing to bring back former NFL players. Zxavian Harris and Dae'Quan Wright are the two players that LSU has been trying to add; they are also connected with Kiffin from the coach's time at Ole Miss. The timing of things is wild, as the Tigers are slated to open their season on Saturday against Clemson.
Source: On3
Source: On3
RJ Harvey has Value in PPR Leagues in Passing Role
Denver Broncos second-year running back RJ Harvey could be a key part of the team's passing game in 2026, according to Jon Heath of Broncos Wire. After the Broncos took Harvey in the second round last year out of Central Florida, the 25-year-old took on a huge role after J.K. Dobbins' season-ending foot injury and finished with 540 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns on 146 carries in 17 regular-season games, adding 47 receptions on 58 targets for 356 yards and another five TDs. His receiving skills were evident when he took a pass from quarterback Bo Nix for 21 yards and a touchdown last week. "That's where you felt the initial impact," head coach Sean Payton said of Harvey's receiving ability, "and you saw marks of that in college, and you also saw him as a runner. He's having a good camp in both areas [rushing and receiving], but it's certainly a strength of his." Denver's three-back rotation this year of Dobbins, Harvey, and rookie Jonah Coleman will limit Harvey's overall fantasy upside, but he still qualifies as a sleeper flex option in point-per-reception leagues in a Broncos offense that could be much more explosive in 2026.
Source: Broncos Wire - Jon Heath
Source: Broncos Wire - Jon Heath
An Improved Surrounding Cast Only Strengthens Josh Allen's QB1 Case
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has finished no lower than the QB2 in six consecutive seasons, making a strong claim to the greatest fantasy quarterback of all time while racking up four overall QB1 finishes over that span. With the addition of wide receiver DJ Moore and the potential return to health of tight end Dalton Kincaid, Allen could find himself leading one of Buffalo's most complete offenses in years, creating the possibility of another 4,000-yard passing campaign after falling short of that mark in each of the past two seasons. With one of the safest rushing floors the league has ever known and the potential of a vintage passing ceiling, it should come as no surprise that Allen ranks as RotoBaller's QB1 and stands alone as the only player at the position routinely going in the first two rounds of 2026 single-quarterback drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cade Otton a Potential Early-Season Streamer
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton has rarely flashed for fantasy since coming into the league as a fourth-round pick in 2022, but he has reliably done what's been asked of him, and with the Buccaneers opening the season with a receiver room at less than full strength, he could again be asked to step up. Emeka Egbuka (toe) and Jalen McMillan (knee) have both been dealing with lingering injuries, putting their Week 1 availability in question. Even if both should suit up for the Buccaneers' season-opener against the Bengals, they could each face a snap count of sorts, providing Otton with a pathway to heavier involvement and an increased target share. Cracking the top 15 of the position four times in 2025, Otton has become a prototypical streamer, and although he ranks as RotoBaller's TE24 for 2026, he has the opportunity to re-enter that conversation straight out of the gate, making him a potentially usable piece early in the year.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Drake Maye's Growth Has Stood Out to His Head Coach
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye came one vote away from winning the MVP Award in his first full season as a starter, and head coach Mike Vrabel has seen notable improvements since he took over the team in 2025. In speaking with reporters on Thursday about Maye's growth, Vrabel pointed out, "More comfort in what we're doing. More command. More understanding." Maye threw for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns to only eight interceptions, adding 450 yards and four scores on the ground on his way to a QB2 finish, and the Patriots spent the offseason improving his offensive line and pass-catchers, most notably adding receivers A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, both of whom have reportedly established a quick rapport with the 24-year-old signal-caller. Questions about how much a historically easy schedule played into Maye's success have lingered throughout the offseason, particularly after a significant postseason dropoff, but an improved offensive environment could serve to raise a fantasy ceiling that was already among the highest in the league, making him a potential value at RotoBaller's QB6.
Source: Mark Daniels
Source: Mark Daniels
Jadarian Price Set for an Important Early-Season Role
The Seattle Seahawks selected Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price with the final pick of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, filling one of their only obvious needs after retaining 20 of 22 starters from their Super Bowl-winning squad. With Veteran Zach Charbonnet (knee) beginning the year on the Physically Unable to Perform list after tearing his ACL in last year's Divisional Round win over the 49ers, Price is well-positioned to begin the year in something close to the every-down role last held by Kenneth Walker III, who averaged 139 yards and more than a touchdown per game during a three-game postseason run that resulted in a Super Bowl MVP Award. Price's biggest competition for touches early in the year will come from George Holani and Emanuel Wilson, two players who started a combined two games in 2025 and lack the rookie's upside. As RotoBaller's RB22, Price has week-winning potential to begin the year and the opportunity to lock down the Seahawks' primary running back spot, making him a player to target in the early-middle rounds of drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dodgers "Unlikely" to Shut Down Shohei Ohtani Completely
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee, biceps) has not pitched in a game since July 3 against the San Diego Padres due to inflammation in his left knee and occasional flare-ups of right-biceps discomfort, but he has remained in the everyday lineup as the designated hitter. According to The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya, manager Dave Roberts said he plans to talk with the four-time MVP and the team's training staff to gauge what is best for Ohtani going forward. The skipper said it is "unlikely" that the Dodgers will completely shut the Japanese superstar down and put him on the injured list, but he also left open the possibility that his stance could change. A day off could be coming for Ohtani, but Roberts does not think that an IL stint would guarantee that Ohtani can get back to 100% this season. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said this week that he still thinks Ohtani can pitch in a game this season, but fantasy managers hoping he can help them in the postseason should not be as optimistic. The reality is that Ohtani's health issues are now affecting him at the plate, as he posted a .795 OPS in August, the lowest mark in any month of his first three seasons with the Dodgers, and his worst since his opening month in the big leagues in 2022. Since Aug. 15, he is hitting .203 with a .742 OPS. In the extra-inning loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, Ohtani went hitless in six plate appearances with four strikeouts. He is clearly not himself right now due to nagging injuries, so fantasy managers should expect him to see some rest here soon.
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Cardinals, Michael Wilson Agree on Three-Year Extension
The Arizona Cardinals reached an agreement on Wednesday with standout wide receiver Michael Wilson on a three-year extension that keeps him in Arizona through the 2029 season, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Financial terms of the extension were not disclosed by Schefter. Wilson is expected to sign the deal on Thursday. The 26-year-old earned a new deal after setting career highs across the board in his third NFL season in 2025 in catches (78), targets (126), receiving yards (1,006), and touchdowns (seven) in 17 games played for the Cardinals. The former third-rounder in 2023 from Stanford took advantage of Arizona's pass-happy offense under former coordinator Drew Petzing, and he also benefited from Marvin Harrison Jr. missing time due to various injuries. But Wilson proved last year that he can thrive in a bigger role in the Cardinals' passing attack, and he developed valuable chemistry with veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who is still around. The offense should be more balanced under new head coach Mike LaFleur, but even with some regression baked into his profile, Wilson is an attractive WR4/flex target for fantasy managers in 2026. UPDATE: Wilson's three-year extension is worth $75 million with a maximum value of $78 million and includes $47 million guaranteed.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Anthony Colandrea Poised for Big Things in Juicy Week 1 Matchup
Nebraska quarterback Anthony Colandrea opens his 2026 season in a great matchup against Ohio on Saturday. A season ago while with UNLV, the QB completed 65.9% of his passes for 3,459 yards and 23 touchdowns, while being picked off nine times. He's a running threat as well after rushing for 649 yards and 10 touchdowns across 127 carries. Colandrea will face stiffer competition when Big Ten play rolls around, but this is a great matchup for him to deliver big in. Ohio gave up 352.1 yards and 21.9 points per game a season ago, but also wasn't facing teams with the talent level of Nebraska. The Cornhuskers are favored to win by multiple scores, and Colandrea could make a good first impression by putting together a big performance. Expect a good fantasy score out of the dual-threat quarterback.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Zay Flowers Dressed for Thursday's Practice
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (lower body) is dressed for practice on Thursday, according to Cordell Woodland of 105.7 The Fan. It will be Flowers' first practice since the team's joint practice with the Minnesota Vikings. The 25-year-old did some sprinting off to the side during Wednesday's practice, but now he is ready to rejoin the rest of the team for the first time in a week. His lower-body injury has never appeared to be serious, so as long as he does not suffer a setback going into practices next week, Flowers should be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Sept. 13. Flowers is coming off a second straight Pro Bowl appearance and second straight 1,000-yard receiving season in 2025, catching 86 of his 118 targets for a career-high 1,211 yards and five touchdowns in 17 starts. In half-PPR scoring, he was the WR7 overall, which was quite impressive when considering the down year that quarterback Lamar Jackson had. In a new offense that could be beneficial for his volume, Flowers has a clear path to WR1 utility again in 2026, and RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 14 player at his position.
Source: 105.7 The Fan - Cordell Woodland
Source: 105.7 The Fan - Cordell Woodland
DeSean Bishop Eyeing Big Showing in Favorable Week 1 Test
Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop kicks off his collegiate season with a very favorable test against Furman on Saturday afternoon. Bishop broke out in 2025, carrying 182 times for 1,076 yards and 16 touchdowns; he also caught 15 passes for an additional 135 yards. Bishop is expected to power the Volunteers' backfield again in 2026, and he's primed to start fast against the Paladins. Furman played in Week 0, topping Anderson (South Carolina) 20-3. The Paladins allowed just 160 total yards, with 154 of those coming through the air, but Tennessee is a much tougher challenge and it should be an easy victory this weekend. Expect Bishop to produce plenty in his time on the field, which makes him a fantasy running back to trust and start in Week 1. He should also be a quality option every single week, so expect big things from Bishop for the coming season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
